A split shift turned into a sales surge for two Troop 10 Scouts after leaders turned their disappointment into a head-to-head challenge that the council says helped push popcorn sales past $3,500 in just a few hours.
Miles Mazer and Benjamin Stanley had planned to sell side-by-side at a local grocery store. When Troop 10 was asked to cover a second location, the friends were assigned to separate sites—until Benjamin’s mother, Amanda Stanley, proposed a fix.
“The boys were really bummed that they wouldn’t be working together,” said Amanda Stanley. “So, we decided to turn it into a competition!”
The friendly contest energized both shifts, according to a press release from Scouting America’s Georgia-Carolina Council. Benjamin logged $1,100 from 8 a.m. to noon, while Miles tallied $1,130 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“Miles beat me by only one sale, and he had the advantage of a later start when the stores are busier!” Benjamin laughed.
Fueled by the showdown, Miles kept going—ultimately working an eight-hour marathon and ending the day with $2,360.
“It was amazing to see how the friendly competition brought out the best in both of them,” said Sarah Groves, Troop 10’s treasurer. “They were texting updates, cheering each other on, and most importantly having a blast while working towards a common goal.”
The duo’s efforts move them closer to funding a January ski trip.
For more information about Scouting in the CSRA or to support local programs, visit gacacouncil.org
